Released on April 18, 2025, Kesari Chapter 2 arrived with high expectations as the spiritual successor to the 2019 hit Kesari. While the first film showcased the bravery of Sikh soldiers in the Battle of Saragarhi, Kesari Chapter 2 shifts focus to a different kind of battlefield—the courtroom. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film is based on the real-life case of C. Sankaran Nair, the lawyer who dared to challenge the British Raj following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Featuring a strong cast led by Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, and Ananya Panday, the film has been praised for its storytelling and performances. But beyond critical acclaim, it has also delivered a solid performance at the box office.
Opening Week: Promising Start at the Ticket Window
Kesari Chapter 2 began its box office journey with a decent start. On Day 1, the film collected ₹7.75 crore, which was considered respectable for a serious historical drama. The film witnessed a significant rise over the weekend, with collections of ₹9.75 crore on Saturday and ₹12 crore on Sunday. By the end of the first weekend, it had crossed the ₹29.5 crore mark. The weekday collections saw the usual dip, but they remained stable. Monday earned ₹4.5 crore, Tuesday brought in ₹4.2 crore, and the rest of the week maintained similar figures. By the end of its first week, Kesari Chapter 2 had netted ₹46.1 crore in India—a promising sign for a film in this genre.
Second Week: Holding Ground Amid Competition
The film’s second-week performance turned out to be even more crucial, especially with new releases like Raid 2 and Ground Zero entering theaters. Despite the competition, Kesari Chapter 2 held steady, earning ₹28.65 crore in its second week. This brought the film’s two-week total to ₹74.75 crore, showcasing the strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim it had generated. Weekday collections in the second week remained stable, with family audiences and history buffs continuing to flock to cinemas.
Third and Fourth Week: Slower But Steady Decline
In the third week, the film saw a decline in footfall but continued to pull in audiences, particularly in metro cities and multiplex chains. The third-week total came in at ₹8.6 crore. Although a noticeable dip, it still indicated that Kesari Chapter 2 had managed to hold its ground longer than expected. The fourth weekend saw smaller but consistent figures, with around ₹3.45 crore collected, pushing the film’s total to approximately ₹86.8 crore by Day 24. This consistency is noteworthy for a courtroom drama—a genre that usually sees steep drops post the second weekend.
Worldwide Performance: A Global Success Story
On the international front, Kesari Chapter 2 performed well, particularly in North America, the UK, and Australia, where the Indian diaspora responded positively to the film’s nationalistic and historical themes. As of now, the film has grossed ₹101.25 crore in India and ₹32.5 crore overseas, bringing the total worldwide gross to ₹133.75 crore. These figures position Kesari Chapter 2 as one of the top five grossing Hindi films of 2025 so far, standing tall alongside titles like Chhaava, Sikandar, Sky Force, and Raid 2.
What Worked: Content, Cast, and Context
- Several factors contributed to the film’s success at the box office. Firstly, the content struck a chord with audiences. Unlike typical commercial films, Kesari Chapter 2 brought forth a largely unknown story of legal resistance against British rule. The courtroom drama was gripping, and the screenplay, adapted from Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat’s book The Case That Shook the Empire, was both informative and emotionally engaging.
- Secondly, Akshay Kumar’s performance as C. Sankaran Nair added weight to the film. His restrained and dignified portrayal, coupled with R. Madhavan’s compelling screen presence and Ananya Panday’s sincere performance, gave the film a strong emotional core. Finally, the timing of the release—close to India’s election season—may have helped it resonate further with the audience’s patriotic sentiments.
Challenges Faced: Genre Limitations and Competition
Despite its success, Kesari Chapter 2 did face challenges. The film’s courtroom setting and serious tone limited its appeal to certain sections of the audience. It wasn’t a typical family entertainer or masala film, and hence its reach was slightly restricted. Moreover, it faced tough competition in its third week from Ground Zero, starring Emraan Hashmi, and the high-action drama Raid 2. These films captured the attention of younger audiences and fans of mainstream cinema.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
The film received favorable reviews from critics for its honest storytelling and compelling subject matter. It was lauded for shedding light on an overlooked chapter of Indian history. Audience reviews were largely positive, with many praising its educational value and performances. Social media played a significant role in amplifying word-of-mouth, with several clips of powerful courtroom scenes going viral.
Conclusion: A Solid Performer in a Changing Landscape
In conclusion, Kesari Chapter 2 has emerged as a successful and steady performer in 2025’s box office lineup. It may not have set new records, but it delivered what it promised—quality cinema rooted in history and patriotism. Its ₹133+ crore worldwide gross and nearly ₹90 crore Indian net collections stand testament to the fact that meaningful cinema can still thrive alongside commercial blockbusters. As it nears the end of its theatrical run, Kesari Chapter 2 leaves behind a legacy not just at the box office, but also in the hearts of audiences who value stories of courage, justice, and truth.
